Psychopharmacology

This course provides students with an introduction to human hormonal and neurochemical processes as they relate to human behavior and substance use/abuse. Students will integrate their understanding of the organization and functioning of the Central Nervous System with its relationship to addictive behavior and the therapeutic effects of pharmacotherapy for mental health. The course focuses upon the "fundamental concepts" associated with the study of addictive behaviour and relates these to personal and societal biases regarding psychoactive drugs and drug use. Mental health/illness is discussed in the context of pharmacotherapy as well as the complexities associated with concurrent recreational drug use. The information gained in the course provides students with the ability to assess the impact of drug use on psychosocial functioning and plan and implement substance-specific interventions. It also complements the "Models …" course (ADDC 1509) and provides a foundation for course work in "Psychopathology".